Gentrification in Washington D.C.: A Tug-of-War Between Development and Displacement

Abstract

During the past two decades, gentrification has been defined as a form of urban renewal where suburban dwellers have opted to return to the inner cities, attracting new investments, property development, and higher housing prices, hoping to achieve socioeconomic growth in underdeveloped neighborhoods. However, this policy has displaced minority communities that were once deep-rooted in the area, triggering criticism by them as they feel alienated, unheard and threatened. Washington D.C. has also been a host to this policy. However, it’s had a different, yet important past. Since it’s been the capital and policy hub of the country, this has meant Federal influences on urban policy decision making within the city. It has also been host to minority communities migrating away from racially-infused laws. With these unique attributes, have come unique benefits and consequences, particularly in the area of housing policy, including gentrification. Therefore, those being displaced have suffered major social, psychological, economic and financial problems, creating an issue that has stirred attention, but not the immediate and long-term solutions needed. This paper looks at the historical underpinnings of the problem, the current literature on policy narratives, and the potential short-term and long-term policy solutions that need to be considered by all levels of government and community to provide equitable growth for all in D.C., and other gentrifying cities in the country.